5 things to in DC in December

The holiday season is in full swing in DC. December can be dark and dreary but there is so much to see and do that you’ll forget about the cold. I going to help narrow the many choices to my personal favorites. This list of 5 things to do in December will help you get in the holiday mood. I have any extra just in case the weather is bad.

1, The National Christmas Tree: every evening the tree is turned on around 4:30 in the afternoon. It’s not just about the tree as there are the trees from every state and US territory, decorated by school children. If the night is really chilly you can warm up by the Yule Log fire pit. Want more Christmas trees? You can also visit the Capitol Christmas too. The National Christmas Tree

2. The Ice Skating Rink at the National Gallery Sculpture Garden: it’s open November through March. Strap on your own or rent a pair and skate around the rink. You can get a hot chocolate to warm up after you are done. The Ice Rink

3. The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the Warner Theater: This is my all time favorite thing to do in December. I try to go every year. There is just something magical about the story the just is the quintessential Christmas thing to go. Lots of little girls are decked out in patent leather Mary Janes and velvet dresses. This production has a DC twist to it. You’ll just have to see it! The Nutcracker tickets

4. Zoo Lights. The National Zoo gets decked out in holiday lights and from 5-9 PM the light lead the way through out the zoo. From the lighted pandas that greet you at the main entrance to all the trees wrapped in thousands of colored lights to the many animal shapes guide your walk through the zoo. You might even spot a Golden Lion Tamarin in a tree! Catch them nightly through January 1.

5. Don’t like the cold? Try the US Boatanic Gardens. It warm and humid and there is usually a beautiful holiday decorations.

As an extra bonus if the weather is bad all the Smithsonian Museums are free so if the weather is bad pop in and stay awhile.